Testing Cheap vs Expensive Ear Plugs!

Here's a brief update after a year, including the ear plugs I chose out of this bunch long-term: https://youtu.be/bvLpIvd6lY0

If you don't hear my simulated tinnitus demonstration, it's possible that not all devices can play those high frequencies. I checked it on a few devices and it seemed to work for me, but apparently not everyone is hearing it. Sorry about that! :)

That band is freaking awesome James! Nice video, your comparisons are always spot on...

Thank you for this. As a kid I always thought the buzzing / ringing was the sound of silence. I didn't learn different until I was an adult. At night, trying to sleep, my favorite background noise is listening to my favorite youtubers. Of course that means this channel is part of my relief.

I got tinnitus 4 years ago and the first year was especially rough. Couldn’t sleep, couldn’t escape. All from a single loud concert. It makes me sad when I come across people acting “tough” by going without earplugs in loud places, or even purposely trying to damage their ears so they can block annoying people out (true story). Thanks for covering these, and for anyone else struggling: definitely take care of your ears, but you will get used to it eventually. It sucks but life goes on.

Thank you. Hopefully you get young viewers watch and heed the warning. First job was the Navy working on a weapons system and my exposure started there. Six years of that, and then the last 24+ years working in manufacturing my ears have been assaulted, and not properly protected. More attention needs to be paid to this, too many people think “Occasional exposure is okay” as long as they have their fingers to stick in their ears when it get loud. Thinking about the eargasms” again thanks from a fellow sufferer.

I don't have tinnitus but I do occasionally have ringing in my ears. I used to work in screen printing and the screen reclaiming process involved using a high pressure water sprayer that was VERY loud. I always used ear muffs and they tested our hearing once a year. It was well worth it to protect my hearing. I'm sorry for everyone suffering from tinnitus. ❤ Just my occasional bouts with ringing are tough to deal with.

Compared to how most people describe their Tinnitus, I definitely think I've lucked out with having a minor yet still ever-present case. That said though, mines also seems to rear it's head more often when I'm feeling overstimulated as opposed to when it's quiet. Thankfully I don't involve myself in loud settings all too often, but might pick up a pair off the reusable ones should I ever get invited to a concert with a friend! Thanks a bunch for this review (also the simulations all sounded really accurate to me, so I'm pretty impressed with the reusables!)

I was that goofy kid at live events and clubs with ear plugs in from the start to finish of the event because I believed my hearing was more valuable compared than looking cool. Hearing because especially important during my navy days for my particular trade. I am an advocate for hearing protecting at any events where you are exposed to loud noises over long periods of time.   Like most things in life, prevention is cheaper then repairation.

I’m 29 and I’ve been to concerts every couple of weeks since I was 15 and I’ve always thought about ear plugs but never gotten around to using some. At times I’ve literally gone to 4 concerts in a week and after watching this, I really think it’s time to protect my ears before I pay the toll in the next couple of years. I appreciate this video more than you could know

I’m a 60-year old woman who’s had tinnitus since I was 11. Absolutely not due to any ear abuse. Just started all of a sudden while I was in bed. I understand you completely and all your comments are so relevant. I never considered wearing ear protection because I’ve always thought it would seal in my tinnitus. Mine is very loud.

As a heavy metal live show lover I was always concerned about tennitus. I bought a better than average pair of earplugs about 10 years ago. I’ve had to buy a few pairs since, but the higher end ones definitely keep all the sound ranges there while avoiding hearing loss. The ones they have now are so much better than the older ones. Protect your hearing people!! Hard to enjoy music if you can’t hear it!!!

Thank you for this. My tinnitus started in my military days lots of booms. My sound similar to a radio station not quite on the channel a constant hiss. I use a phonak aid designed to cancel the noise. I'm going for Vibes! Thanks again

The weirdest thing to understand about tinnitis is that although sufferers (like me) hear it as sound, it isn't actually sound at all. It is the brain interpreting false signals carried along the auditory nerve on either one or both sides. Its like an auditory hallucination! Although it can be caused by exposure to loud noises, it can be caused by other things like medication, sickness or even injury like banging your head. I have severe hearing loss which is hereditary and wear $4000 hearing aids, but I hear my tinnitis perfectly well! Its a constant ringing, sometimes clicking or popping, and never goes away.

That was a good review, well thought out and presented. It gonna help a lot of people 👍🏽 love the music!

I've had mine for over 30 years. I never had long contact with loud noises like mechanical equipment or music. Had a lot of sinus infections around the time it started. But, doctors said they can't be positive if that had anything to do with it. Like you, I have not had true silence in decades now. Actually, steady white noise like a fan is helpful. I actually like my very loud camper AC. Not good trying to have a conversation. But, for me, excellent for sleeping.

Wow, Second Echo sounds pretty damn good! I'll definitely have to check out more of their music!

Thank you for bringing this up, good to hear peoples stories. My tinnitus comes in the form of your tone, but it beeps like Morse Code. I drastically reduced my tinnitus when I quit drinking….I find that stress and blood pressure make the tones MUCH stronger. I noticed mine started after I busted my eardrum diving. Much love.

Awesome video, especially with the personal interviews with the band, definitely gives a lot of insight!

Hi James! Just wanted to say that I really appreciate this video. Have been a long time viewer of your channel and this video has been released at the right time!!! I'm 20 this year but for the pass few years I've been dealing with tinnitus (not 24/7). Been on the hunt for earplugs that don't drown out the noise completely but rather just bring the noise level down a notch. Scared to worsen my tinnitus!! This has been a great help! Great video as always and awesome interview!